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Charles Tillman Could Be Most Costly Injury for Chicago Bears

November 28th, 2012 at 10:04 AM By PJ Foti

Charles Tillman left Sunday's win against the Minnesota Vikings with what was thought to be an ankle injury.

Prior to the injury, Tillamn recovered an Adrian Peterson fumble, recorded two tackles, and broke up what would've been a first down pass to Jerome Simpson. He was on his way to a typical big game.

His big game came to a screeching halt when Vikings tight end Rhett Ellison stepped on Tillman's foot in the second quarter, causing Tillman to go to the sideline for treatment. He re-entered the game briefly, only to return to the sidelines for the remainder of the contest.

He left Soldier Field in a walking boot after the game, and a league source said it's believed that Tillman has a chipped bone in his right foot. It's an injury where he can play through the pain if he likes, but if he doesn't he surely will be missed on the field.

He is a game-changing player on the team's most important unit. Whether it's forcing fumbles, intercepting passes or shutting down the opponent's best receiver, Tillman is always in the middle of an important defensive play by the Chicago Bears.

He's a dynamic corner, who plays the game so different from others at his position. He goes at players with his trademarked "Peanut Punch" looking to jar the ball loose to make a play for his defense. Meanwhile, most other corners in the league shy away from making tackles.

He is the reason when teams game plan to play the Bears, they stress having two hands on the football. Not having him on the field will change the outlook of Chicago's defense, making his loss crucial to the team.

History says he will suit up Sunday, as he's been known to play despite multiple injuries. However, there is the off chance he won't be out there, which would really hurt the team. If he doesn't suit up, Kelvin Hayden will play in his spot, while D.J. Moore will return to the nickel.

Tillman hasn't missed a game since 2009 when he was placed on season-ending IR with fracutred ribs and a bruised lung.